Deumai Municipality

Deumai Municipality, Ilam - A few decades ago, besides Ilam Bazaar as the district headquarters, Phiikkal in the east and Manglabare in the west were the main trade centers of Ilam. Trade also took place between Manglabare and its neighboring districts of Panchthar and Jhapa.

Previously, the market used to operate every Wednesday in the area known today as “Lower Budhabare” located in Ward No. 4. As the area was far for many traders, they would arrive by Tuesday evening carrying their goods. This led to a bustling scene on Tuesday evenings, resembling a market. It is believed this practice gave rise to the name “Manglabare,” meaning Tuesday-based.

The Wednesday market at Budhabare was considered one of the largest in Ilam. Due to space limitations in Lower Budhabare, around 2015/16 BS, the then Ilam Bada Hakim (chief administrator) Santabir Lama relocated the market to the Manglabare ridge. The tradition of holding the market on Wednesday, however, continued and still exists.

During the Panchayat era, Manglabare was established as a village panchayat. After the restoration of democracy, it became a Village Development Committee (VDC). In 2071 BS, under a cabinet decision, the government merged the then Manglabare and Dhuseni VDCs to form Deumai Municipality among 61 newly declared municipalities.

Later, in line with Nepal's 2072 Constitution and the restructuring process, the existing Deumai Municipality was expanded by merging surrounding VDCs—Chamaitha, Sangrumba, Shantidanda, Siddhithumka, and Jitpur—into the municipality.

The municipality is named after the Deumai River, which flows along its western boundary. The river holds significant religious value in the area.

Geographical Location and Area

Deumai Municipality lies in Ilam District of Province No. 1. It is located between 26.816413° to 27.044757° North latitude and 87.7448940° to 88.889877° East longitude.

• Total area: 191.63 square kilometers

• Elevation: Ranges from 250 meters to 2700 meters above sea level

• Covers 0.1302% of Nepal’s land and 11.22% of Ilam District

Borders

• East: Ilam Municipality

• West: Fakfokthum and Mangsebung Rural Municipalities

• North: Panchthar District

• South: Mai Municipality

Geographical and Climatic Characteristics

• Located in northwestern Ilam, a trade hub known for cash crops like ginger, cardamom, broom grass, Akabare chili, and tea

• Recognized for both domestic and international tourism

Latitude

26.816413° to 27.044757°

Longitude

87.7448940° to 88.889877°

Elevation

252 to 2691 meters above sea level

Area

191.63 square kilometers

Boundaries

• East: Ilam Municipality

• West: Fakfokthum and Mangsebung

• North: Panchthar

• South: Mai Municipality

Climate

The municipality experiences three types of climates based on altitude:

• Warm monsoon

• Mild temperate

• Cold temperate

Shravan is the hottest month, while Poush is the coldest.
Average summer temperature: 16°C to 23°C
Average winter temperature: 4°C to 11°C
Average monthly rainfall during monsoon: 35 cm (350 mm)

Demographics and Services

Household Count

7,124 households

Total Population

34,699

Main Occupations

Agriculture and Animal Husbandry

Number of Schools

59 total schools:

• 45 government

• 14 private

• 1 Gurukul

Student–Teacher Ratio

12:1

Student–Classroom Ratio

13:1

Literacy Rate

88.80%

Major Religions

Hindu

Primary Language

Nepali

Major Communities

• Rai

• Brahmin

• Chhetri

• Limbu

Major Food Crops

• Paddy

• Maize

• Wheat

Major Cash Crops

• Ginger

• Broom grass (Amriso)

• Tea

• Cardamom

• Potato

Common Livestock

• Cattle

• Buffalo

• Goat

Transportation Facilities

• Bus

• Taxi

• Tempo

• Private vehicles (car, motorcycle)

Communication Services

• Mobile phone

• CDMA phone

• Cable television

• Internet access

Health Services

• 6 health posts

• 1 primary health center

• 2 private clinics

• 1 Ayurvedic hospital

Electricity Access

91.31% of households have access to electricity

Community Forest User Groups

26 registered groups

Major Settlements by Ward

Ward No. 1

• Chamaita, Maidane, Rankey, Barbote, Sisne, Sepeni, Yakule Gaun, Kafle Gaun, Chauri Bazar, Tar Gaun, Deurali

• Dhapatar, Deumi, Kukhure, Dungmali Gaun, Barbhanjyang, Simghre Gaun, Sadhu Gaun, Bahun Gaun, Arje Gaun, Khatri Gaun, Khandrug, Besighare, Cheughare, Muldanda, Mangsire, Deusedanda, Lambagaun, Bhirgaun, Gurung Gaun, Gurunge Gaun (Maidane), Targhare, Khatri Gaun (Maidane), Lalla Gaun, Pandey Gaun, Bhir Gaun (Barbote)

Ward No. 2

• Pungpung, Sabjung, Tapewa, Baghshila, Chitre, Mahabir, Bhadure, Saune, Naulegaun, Purkhe, Gumbadanda

• Skuldanda, Sansaridanda, Dulal Gaun, Limbu Gaun, Newar Gaun, Rai Gaun, Sunuwar Gaun, Rana Gaun, Magar Gaun, Gairigaun, Chamlagai Gaun, Devisthan, Jhu

Ward No. 3

• Shantidanda, Gagrebhanjyang, Surke, Panitar, Pahirebhanjyang, Moolkharka, Dandagaun, Asare Gahari, Rankeytar, Hatedhunga, Lekhtol, Kaparabote

Ward No. 4

• Yakshi, Majhuwa, Singlappa, Manglabare Bazar, Gurudhara, Tallo Budhabare, Sorali Gaun, Chitre, Bhojpure Tol, Namasing Gaun, Gairigaun

Ward No. 5

• Bohoribote, Angdanda, Kharbari Gaun, Chiduwa, Hangsebun, Dandagaun, Barbhanjyang, Barung, Dhuseni, Kyabung, Singla

Ward No. 6

• Chhetri Gaun, Dahal Gaun, Gairigaun, Sisuwa, Dandagaun, Bijuli Bhanjyang, Futuk, Wathung, Skuldanda, Goredanda

Ward No. 7

• Namthala, Tegiya, Pankhelung, Basthal, Hangmang, Siureni, Makthumba, Panchami, Bhir Gaun, Phulbari, Gairigaun, Chuli Gaun, Guragai Gaun, Siddhithumka, Gorkhe Gaun, Rana Gaun

Ward No. 8

• Futanichowk, Gairigaun, Buddha Chowk, Talkharka, Lumde, Baseni, Raygaun, Ajambare, Jhyaulpokhari, Kiklumba

Ward No. 9

• Lingding, Marshe, Nawami, Madibung, Parigaun, Chisapani, Siruwani, Iweg, Bardamba, Jaubari, Dandagaun

Geographical Features

Deumai Municipality lies in the hilly region, predominantly shaped by the Mahabharat Range. More than 15 small and large rivers pass through the municipality.

Soil composition includes:

• Loamy gravel and stony mixtures

• Clay-loamy types

• Compact loamy textures

Major Crops Grown:

• Paddy, maize, wheat, millet, potatoes, and vegetables

• Evergreen and seasonal fruits

• Ginger, cardamom, tea, and coffee

Weather Conditions

Ranging from 252 to 2691 meters in elevation, Deumai Municipality features three climate types:

• Warm monsoon

• Mild temperate

• Cold temperate

Hottest month: Shrawan
Coldest month: Poush

Average Temperatures:

• Summer: 16°C to 23°C

• Winter: 4°C to 11°C

Rainfall:

• During monsoon season, average monthly rainfall reaches 35 cm (350 mm)

• The climate is favorable for cash crops such as ginger, cardamom, broom grass, and tea

Local Festivals, Fairs, and Celebrations

Deumai is home to a culturally diverse population representing Hindu, Kirat, Buddhist, and Christian communities. Due to migration from different regions across Nepal, the area celebrates a wide variety of festivals.

Major Local Festivals Celebrated in Deumai Municipality

• Mother’s Day (Tirtha Aunsi)
  Celebrated in Baisakh on Aunsi by Hindus and others to honor mothers.

• Buddha Purnima (Buddha Jayanti)
  Observed in Baisakh on Purnima by Buddhist and mixed communities.

• Asar 15 – Dahi Chiura Festival
  Celebrated in Asar across all farming communities to mark the start of rice planting season.

• Luto Falne Jatra
  Traditionally observed around Shrawan Sankranti; now rarely celebrated.

• Harishayani Ekadashi (Tulsi Plantation)
  Celebrated in Shrawan on Ekadashi by Hindu devotees.

• Guru Purnima
  Celebrated in Shrawan on Purnima as Teacher’s Day in schools.

• Nag Panchami
  Observed in Shrawan–Bhadau on Panchami by Brahmin, Chhetri, and Hindu communities.

• Janai Purnima
  Celebrated in Shrawan–Bhadau on Purnima by Brahmins and other Hindus.

• Kwati Eating Day
  Observed on Janai Purnima, particularly by Newar and Kirati communities.

• Last Monday of Shrawan
  Celebrated mostly by Hindu women through fasting and rituals.

• Gai Jatra
  Observed in Bhadau, especially by Newar communities to honor the deceased.

• Krishna Janmashtami
  Celebrated in Bhadau by Hindus to mark the birth of Lord Krishna.

• Haritalika Teej
  Celebrated by Hindu women in Bhadau through fasting and prayers.

• Vishwakarma Puja
  Observed in Ashoj by Hindu artisans, mechanics, and workers.

• Dashain (Ghatasthapana to Kojagrat Purnima)
  Celebrated in Ashoj–Kartik across all Hindu communities.

• Tihar (Kag, Kukur, Laxmi, Govardhan, Bhai Tika)
  Observed in Ashoj–Kartik by all Hindu communities.

• Mha Puja
  Celebrated in Kartik by Newars to purify and honor the self.

• Chhath Parva
  Observed in Kartik, especially by women from Madhesi communities.

• Tamu Lhosar
  Celebrated in Poush by Gurung and Tamang communities.

• Tol Lhosar
  Celebrated in Poush by Gurung, Tamang, and Rai communities.

• Sonam Lhosar
  Celebrated in Magh by Gurung, Tamang, and Rai ethnic groups.

• Maghe Sankranti
  Celebrated on Magh 1 by all communities to mark the end of winter.

• Gyalmo Lhosar
  Celebrated in Falgun–Chaitra by Tibetan Buddhist communities.

• Holi (Fagu Purnima)
  Celebrated in Falgun on Purnima across all communities in the hills and plains.

• Maha Shivaratri
  Celebrated in Falgun by Hindu devotees in temples and shrines.

• Ram Navami
  Celebrated in Chaitra by Hindus to honor the birth of Lord Ram.

• Chaite Dashain
  Celebrated in Chaitra by Hindu communities with rituals similar to Dashain.

• Bakra Eid
  Celebrated by Muslim communities with special prayers and offerings.

• Christmas
  Celebrated in Poush by Christians and mixed communities.

• Udhauli (Sakela, Chasok, Tangnam)
  Celebrated in Mangsir on Purnima by Rai, Limbu, Sunuwar, and Yakkha communities.

Major Tourist Attractions in Deumai Municipality

1. Kuibhir (Chamaita Ward 6)

   • Ideal for rock climbing

   • Various species of rhododendron are found

   • Panoramic sunrise views

   • The known habitat of the red panda

2. Khambudanda (Chamaita Ward 6)

   • Picnic spot

   • Site for Sakewa festival

   • Traditional place for Sansari Puja

   • Religious significance

3. Bhavabhara Danda (Chamaita Ward 1 & 2)

   • Offers scenic views of Kanchanjunga and Kumbhakarna peaks

4. Deumai–Hewa Confluence Hill (Chamaita Ward 5)

   • Located at the junction of Deumai and Hewa rivers

   • Geographically and culturally important

5. Ratna Tunnel (Chamaita Ward 7)

   • Historically important

   • Politically significant site

6. Guphathumki Hill (Chamaita Ward 7)

   • Scenic viewpoint

   • Wildlife viewing possible due to nearby community forest

7. Soharana Devi Temple (Chamaita Ward 7)

   • Religious tourism site

8. Tall Rhododendron Tree (Manglabare Ward 3)

   • Recorded in Guinness Book of World Records

   • Globally recognized natural attraction

9. Hanglung Waterfall (Chamaita Ward 8)

   • Visually stunning waterfall

10. F Community Forest and Pokhari (Shantidanda Ward 7)

    • Sunrise viewpoint

    • Scenic beauty of Gufa Pokhari

    • Around 80 tourists visit daily

    • Popular picnic spot

11. Panitar (Manglabare Ward 4)

    • Rolling hills covered with tea plantations

12. Dhode Devi (Manglabare Ward 4)

    • Naturally formed divine stone sculptures

    • Offers wide panoramic views of Ilam

    • Visited by 200+ tourists daily

    • Popular for daily Hindu worship

13. Dhodrebar Tree (Manglabare Ward 2)

    • Estimated 400-year-old sacred tree

14. Kabrawat Tree (Shantidanda Ward 5)

    • Massive Kabra tree over 300 years old

    • 50-foot hollow base allows people to walk through

    • Weekly Tuesday worship tradition

    • Name origin of Manglabare believed to stem from here

15. Thulo Nagi (Manglabare Ward 6)

    • Picnic site and observation point

16. Nilkantha Mahadev Temple (Manglabare Ward 6)

    • Known for spiritual healing practices

17. Devdanda (Manglabare Ward 1)

    • Hindu religious and scenic site

18. Chamere Cave (Dhuseni Ward 3)

    • 20 feet deep cave by the riverbank

    • Known for large bat populations

    • Lacks promotion and protection

19. Jatteshwor Mahadev Temple (Dhuseni Ward 2)

    • Naturally formed idols of Hindu deities

20. Nageshwari (Dhuseni Ward 7)

    • Believed to be spiritually powerful

    • Popular for tantric healing and prophecy

    • Site of legendary folklore involving Limbu shamans

21. Jogi Cave (Dhuseni Ward 2)

    • Believed to be an ancient meditation site

    • Historically significant

    • Gorkhali army used it during unification battles

22. Chhala Wal Danda (Dhuseni Ward 7)

    • Natural hot spring pond

    • Thought to cure skin diseases

    • Popular viewpoint and picnic area

23. Luti Mai Pokhari (Shantidanda Ward 9)

    • Sacred pond associated with Luti goddess

    • Religious rituals conducted annually

24. Ajambare Hill (Siddhithumka Ward 5)

    • Site for various cultural and religious ceremonies

25. Ratna Cave (Siddhithumka Ward 7)

    • Holds political significance

    • Rock formations with unique shapes

26. Siddhithumka Peak (Siddhithumka Ward 3)

    • Sunrise viewpoint

    • Home to a large worship stone

    • Devi temple present

    • Rare Hi-Guwa plant found

27. Pankhelung Waterfall (Siddhithumka Ward 7)

    • Approx. 100-foot tall double-tiered waterfall

28. Jhyaun Pokhari (Jitpur Ward 2)

    • Surrounded by water and a central mound

    • Picturesque natural pond

29. Dattatreya Temple (Jitpur Ward 2)

    • Estimated to be 150 years old

    • Hindu religious pilgrimage site

30. Lechumba Hill (Jitpur Ward 6)

    • Elevated hilltop

    • Offers views of the Terai plains

    • Site of Mahaguru Falgunanda’s meditation

    • Revered by followers of the Kirat religion

Educational Institutions in Deumai Municipality

Community Schools in Deumai Municipality

1. Shree Kanchanjungha Basic School – Ward 1, Muldanda, established 2050

2. Shree Dambaradevi Secondary School – Ward 1, Chauri Gaun, established 2013

3. Shree Janata Basic School – Ward 1, Khandrug, established 2047

4. Shree Kamaladevi Basic School – Ward 1, Maidane, established 2021

5. Shree Singhbasanta Basic School – Ward 1, Maidane, established 2048

6. Shree Janata Basic School – Ward 1, Barbote, established 2056

7. Shree Siddha Deumai Basic School – Ward 1, Dhappar Tar, established 2033

8. Shree Singhadevi Basic School – Ward 2, Mahabir, established 2059

9. Shree Bhanudaya Basic School – Ward 2, Pungpung, established 2026

10. Baghshila Basic School – Ward 2, Baghla, established 2054

11. Saujung Basic School – Ward 2, Saujung, established 2016

12. Devisthan Basic School – Ward 2, Saujung, established 2066

13. Saraswati Basic School – Ward 2, Tapewa, established 2031

14. Sahabeer Basic School – Ward 3, Moolkharka, established 2021

15. Shree Singhadevi Basic School – Ward 3, Dhung, established 2034

16. Shree Panch Secondary School – Ward 3, Shantidanda, established 2012

17. Shree Sarke Basic School – Ward 3, Sarke, established 2046

18. Mahendrodaya Basic School – Ward 3, Gagre Bhanjyang, established 2012

19. Jub Basic School – Ward 3, Ranketar, established 2064

20. Janasram Basic School – Ward 4, Singlappa, established 2048

21. Bhanubhakta Secondary School – Ward 4, Manglabare, established 2008

22. Netrajyoti Basic School – Ward 4, Yakshi, established 2052

23. Laxmi Basic School – Ward 5, Kyabung, established 2025

24. Janakalyan Basic School – Ward 5, Angdang, established 2026

25. Savitridevi Basic School – Ward 5, Angdang, established 2047

26. Shree Rudra Basic School – Ward 5, Singlappa, established 2033

27. Shree Kalika Basic School – Ward 5, Singlappa, established 2033

28. Bhagwati Secondary School – Ward 5, Barbhanjyang

29. Nageshwari Basic School – Ward 5, Barung

30. Shree Singhadevi Basic School – Ward 6, Futuk, established 2040

31. Shree Khandrug Secondary School – Ward 7, Panchami, established 2013

32. Shree Gambhir Pokhari Basic School – Ward 7, Pokhari Gaun, established 2043

33. Shree Adarsha Siddha Basic School – Ward 7, Namthala, established 2017

34. Shree Kankai Basic School – Ward 7, Basthal, established 2054

35. Shree Gorkhe Basic School – Ward 7, Gorkhe Gaun, established 2055

36. Shree Janata Basic School – Ward 8, Talkharka, established 2026

37. Janakalyan Basic School – Ward 8, Ambote, established 2055

38. Bhagwati Basic School – Ward 8, Ambote, established 2018

39. Deurali Basic School – Ward 8, Deurali, established 2031

40. Shree Tribhuvan Basic School – Ward 9, Lingding, established 2025

41. Shree Deumai Subidar Bhanjyang Basic School – Ward 9, Subidar Bhanjyang, established 2045

42. Shree Gajurmukhi Basic School – Ward 9, Majh Gaun, established 2044

43. Jitpur Secondary School – Ward 9, Nawami, established 2013

44. Shree Singhwahini Basic School – Ward 9, Katahara, established 2051

45. Shiddhadevi Saraswati Basic School – Ward 9, Jitpur, established 2049

Institutional (Private) Schools in Deumai Municipality

1. Chamaita English Institute – Ward 1, Chauri Gaun, established 2051

2. Bhavabhara Bokul Secondary School – Ward 1, Maidane, established 2047

3. Suryodaya Shiksha Sadan Secondary School – Ward 1, Manglabare, established 2050

4. Gajurmukhi Vidya Mandir – Ward 3, Shantidanda, established 2070

5. Himalayan Secondary School – Ward 3, Shantidanda, established 2045

6. Ilam Morning Glory Secondary School – Ward 4, Chitre, established 2065

7. Sirjansheel Secondary School – Ward 4, Yakshi, established 2057

8. Namuna Boarding School – Ward 5, Dhuseni, established 2066

9. Evangelina E-Boarding School – Ward 6, Futuk, established 2068

10. Shree Panchami E-Boarding School – Ward 7, Panchami, established 2063

11. Ilam Dipshikha Boarding School – Ward 8, Bazaar, established 2060

12. Dattatreya Boarding School – Ward 8, Ambote, established 2058

13. Ex-Army Gorkha Exemplary School – Ward 8, Ambote, established 2050

14. Shree Sayapatri Vidya Mandir – Ward 9, Nawami, established 2056

Gurukul in Deumai Municipality

1. Shree Shivashakti Gurukul – Ward 4, Yakshi, established 2066

Higher Education (College)

1. Manglabare Multiple Campus

   • Ward 4, Manglabare

   • Programs Offered: Education, Humanities, Management